BEACON, the Clifton Moor-based purchasing consortium for the independent hospitality industry, has launched a new division aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises called Beacon Commercial.

Historically, only independent businesses in the hospitality industry have been able to join Beacon to take advantage of centrally negotiated contracts with leading suppliers across all areas of their business. The new commercial division will offer businesses, typically with an annual turnover of less than £30 million, the opportunity to join Beacon free of charge to benefit from exceptional rates on a variety of products and services.

These include utilities, telecommunications, stationery and office supplies, as well as financial planning services, including pensions and private health care. Benefits also include "centralised billing" - members make only one monthly direct debit payment for all products and services purchased through Beacon, which is the purchasing division of Best Western Hotels

Chris Arnold, head of Beacon Commercial, said: "Many small and medium-sized businesses simply do not have the time or resource to negotiate the best deals on products and services such as their utilities or telecommunications.

"By joining Beacon Commercial, they can benefit not only from Beacon's extensive purchasing power and strong relationships with leading suppliers, but they also reduce their administration burden greatly."

Updated: 10:07 Thursday, July 15, 2004